The Covenant of Our Congregation Adopted in 1962 We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus. Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Welcome Union Presbyterian Church July 28, 2013 First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, New York 12305 (518) 377-2201 www.1streformed.com
Welcome to First Reformed Church We are a welcoming and affirming congregation and absolutely everyone is invited to our worship, activities, and service. If you are a first time visitor we hope you feel at home here. Please fill out a little white pew card and place it in the offering plate and join us after the service for coffee and refreshments. The welcome tables at the entrance to the Sanctuary and in Assembly Hall have some helpful church information. Parking You may park in any of the lots around the church or the Stockade Inn on Sunday mornings. Need Help? Large print bulletins and audio receivers are available to assist you. Please ask an usher. Special bulletins for children are also available. Restrooms are located out the front right doorway of the sanctuary, a baby changing station is in the women s bathroom. Non Emergency Number Schenectady Police: 518-382-5200 Elders in Worship Past and current leaders we call 'Elders' walk in together at the beginning of worship and sit in the front pew. This is to identify them as servants of the mission of the church and make it easy to see who you might talk to about the life of our congregation. Joining the Congregation To become a member of the congregation, there is a one-time orientation, a meeting with the governing board, and a reception in worship. If you are interested in the next orientation please fill out a white pew card. Communion Our congregation celebrates the Lord s Supper on the first Sunday of the month. All followers of Christ are invited to share this meal. Child Care on Sunday Childcare for babies through age four is available from 10am and noon in Kinderwyk, which is located in the building near the church office entry. Summer Church School All children in grades K-8 are welcome to join in our Church School activities by leaving immediately after the Children's Message. Parents can pick up their children after worship on the 2nd floor at the top of the stairs. Church School On Communion Sundays On Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of the month) youth in grades 3-8 remain in the service to participate in Communion while those in grades K-2 are welcome to go upstairs after the Children's Message for music and crafts. Children s Worship Bulletins Special bulletins for children, ages 3-6 and 7-12 are available each Sunday. If the ushers are not handing them out, just ask for one. After Worship Typically after worship, people stop for a chat and refreshments in Huntley Garden (weather permitting) before going to a learning opportunity that lasts until noon. Visitors are welcome to join in. Service Online A recording of each of our worship services is at 1stReformed.com one or two days following the service. Lost and Found Basket We have a lost and found basket in the Narthex (at the front entrance of the church). If you have lost/misplaced an item at church, please check this basket.
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost July 28, 2013 *The congregation may stand. PRELUDE Naphtali Rothrock Prelude and Fugue in D Major G. F. Handel Adagio Cesar Franck Andante Tranqillo from Sonata #3 Felix Mendelssohn 10:00 a.m. GREETING Daniel Carlson The grace of Christ be with you. And also with you. ANNOUNCEMENTS & ORIENTATION CALL TO WORSHIP Stacey Midge *HYMN #461 God Is Here! Abbot s Leigh *OUR NEED FOR GOD (unison) We trust in you, O God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love you created the world good and make everyone equally in your image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against you; we hide from you, our Creator. Ignoring your commandments, we violate your image in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve your condemnation. Yet you act with justice and mercy to redeem creation. *GOD S FORGIVING LOVE *RESPONSE OF PRAISE #579 Glory Be to the Father Gloria Patri *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (unison) In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still. *PASSING THE PEACE MUSICAL OFFERING Lord, Thou art our fount of mercy, Thou the source of love and grace. Teach us to respond in worship, Bringing songs of loudest praise. As we raise our voices, singing, Send Thy Spirit winging near; From Thy never-failing wellspring, Streams of healing, pure and clear. Fount of Mercy Nettleton Gene Rowland, Baritone Through the ages Thou hast blessed us, By Thy mighty acts of love. Christ our savior, now unite us With Thy Father, high above. Jesus save us, when like strangers We are wand ring from our God; Come and rescue us from danger, By the shedding of your blood. We are sinners, now confessing, None deserving Thy concern. Yet we dare to ask forgiveness, As to Thee our faces turn. Lead us upward out of darkness By Thy brilliant guiding light; Make our hearts contrite and flawless, Let Thy grace be our delight. Words by Gene Rowland FIRST LESSON Marilyn Leach Guide us, O Lord, by your Word and Holy Spirit. Amen. Luke 11:1-13 (page 72)
CHILDREN S MESSAGE SECOND LESSON Colossians 2:6-19 (page 200) SERMON Forming our Faith Stacey Midge *HYMN #392 Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord OFFERING OFFERTORY Safe Within Your Arms Mark Hayes Gene Rowland *HYMN #592 Praise God Doxology *PRAYER OF DEDICATION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD S PRAYER (unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. *HYMN #361 How Firm a Foundation *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Toccata in F Major + + + Naphtali Rothrock Deiterich Buxtehude Worship Note Our Need for God and Affirmation of Faith are drawn from The Presbyterian Church (USA) Brief Statement of Faith. Prayers of the People Requests for prayer may be noted on a pew card and placed in the offering plate. We pray regularly for those who are ill, those who serve their country, those who hunger, and those who are our enemies. As part of our prayers this morning, we remember with thanksgiving members of this congregation who entered eternal rest in previous years about this time: Albert Demont If you are aware of a departed member, whose name has not been noted near the anniversary of their death, please speak with one of our ministers or contact the church office. Celebratory or Memorial Flowers A flower calendar is posted on the right side of the Poling House entrance to the sanctuary wherein you can choose a date for donating chancel flowers to remember a loved one or to honor a special event. Please inform the office of your wishes. The cost of the flowers is $30 for the two bouquets. You may send your check payable to Chancel Guild, c/o Marlene Risseeuw, 2140 Niskayuna Dr., Niskayuna, NY 12309. Baby Changing Stations There is a baby changing station in the women s bathroom located across from the Johnson Library. Soon there will be changing stations in the women s and men s bathrooms located in the area under the church street entrance. Kinderwyk ~ Childcare We need volunteers (18 & over) to help our professional staff care for our youngest members during worship! Fill out a white pew card and place it in the offering plate to let us know you would like to be a part of this ministry. Following a required background check the church office staff will contact you to schedule the Sundays you are willing and available to serve.
Union Presbyterian Church Name Tags We like name tags. Although we will not force these on you, there are pre-printed stick-on name tags at two sanctuary entrances for Union members. When you take a paper name tag, we will automatically make you a permanent one for the following week that will be on the name tag door by Poling Chapel. Post Service Refreshments A Taste! Come and join us after church today for a taste of healthy food! First Reformed, Union Presbyterian and State Street Presbyterian Church have formed a joint mission working with retired home economics teacher Anna Dawson. Anna has built a community kitchen in Kinderhook, and has agreed to help us start ours as well. We will be using State Street s kitchen which is certified by Ag and Markets (State Street now has space available for people who would wish to use the kitchen to start their own small business) to begin several new programs, which may include a youth cooking class with neighborhood kids, an adult cooking class to show people how to stretch their dollars while eating healthy, and possibly begin a processing kitchen using local produce to create a product. We are looking for people who might want to play a role in getting this program up and running, or who might enjoy helping with the classes themselves. Come and taste and meet Anna, we will be glad to answer any questions you might have. Johnson Library Adult books on friendship are especially notable and useful during these days when congregations are getting to know each other. The Oxford Book of Friendship is an inclusive book prepared by D. J. Enright and David Rawlinson. Among Friends is the offering of Letty Cotton Pogrebin. Patricia Sternberg is the author of Be My Friend. The Friendship by Mildred Taylor and Madeleine L Engle has contributed The Weather of the Heart. Seymour Simon photographs and writes about Wild Babies. Catherine Thimmesh tells of Friends, True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships. Jazz Appreciation Month Every Sunday, 5pm Today: Mike Lamkin, piano August 4: Nat Phipps, piano; Pete Toigo, bass; Tom D Andrea, drums August 11: Azzaam Hameed, piano August 18: Mike Lamkin, piano August 25: Peg Delaney, piano; Bill Delaney, bass; Tim Coakley, drums Summertime Kerygma Conversations Read a book, seen a movie, attended a concert, taken a trip, or begun a class that you'd like to talk about with others? Stop by the Dirck Romeyn Room from 9:30-11am on July 31 and/or August 28 and share your new found learning and experience with others. Contact Daniel Carlson for further details. Yoga at FRC Douglas Goodbee, certified in Kripalu/Hatha E- RYT and athletic yoga, teaches every Thursday at 6:45pm in Assembly Hall. The classes are free for FRC members, $10 non-members. This class is for everyone at any level, singles, families, and seniors. Bring a mat and wear loose clothing. Questions: contact Douglas at 229-7291 or e-mail dagoods1@gmail.com. Summer Volunteer Looking for summer help to drop off collected clothing to Bethesda House and food items to SICM from FRC bins. These items are brought once a week and the church van is available for use. Contact Stacey Midge with any questions. Church School September will be here before we know it! Teachers are needed for all classes in the Fall. Training will be provided. Call Jamie Ipsen 399-6848 if you are even remotely interested.
Youth Tubing Trip Date Change Due to lack of availability, the youth group tubing trip is postponed until Sept. 2, which is the date when UPC has their annual tubing event. Please let Stacey know if you can attend on Labor Day by Aug. 26. In the meantime, all youth in grades 6-12 and their parents are invited to a BBQ on the church lawn on Aug. 22 from 6-8pm. Please bring a side or dessert to share. Fowler Camp & Retreat Center Event On Saturday, August 3, all are welcome to the dedication of the Leet Nature Center at 4pm with hearty Hors D oeuvres at 5:30pm on Leet s porch (reservations suggested by July 31 to 518-399- 9032). There will also be a benefit concert at 7pm with Sacandaga String Band in the Chapel. Cultural Frolic at SPAC on August 9 The Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet will present a Bernstein Extravaganza. More information is in our July/August First Things. A sign-up sheet is posted in Assembly Hall. Flood Relief Work Needed In Fort Plain. Volunteers: Needed to help muck out people's homes (basements mostly) and to help carry items to the curbside. This work is happening every day, and you can just show up on your own (or with a group of your friends!) Volunteers are encouraged to call ahead to the Fort Plain Reformed Church at (518)705-8695 or email fortplainfloodhelp@yahoo.com. Stacey Midge will be collecting and delivering donated supplies. These items may be dropped off at the room by the west sanctuary entrance: bleach, rubber gloves, shovels, mops bottled water, any size. diapers and wipes. flashlights/batteries. personal hygiene products such as: toothbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products, hand soap, shampoo, etc. laundry & dish soap, disinfectant, bug spray pet food. Funds are needed for continuing recovery. The church has set up a special account where money can be sent: Reformed Church--Flood Relief, 165 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. 100% of funds collected will go back into the community for flood relief. Volunteers Needed ~ Yates Village Union Presbyterian is responsible for the Summer Lunch Program at Yates Village Community Center for the weeks of August 5, 12, and 26. The time is 11:55am to 1:30pm, although most people can leave around1pm. UPC has done this many years and the big bonus is that it is inside and air conditioned. We need Help! Please call Ellie Rowland at 370-1958 or email me, erowland@nycap.rr.com. Special Offerings As you know, Mission & Benevolence selects a recipient for special offerings taken up each year at Christmas and Easter. The committee invites you to nominate any group you feel would be a good beneficiary. The committee will be organizing its selection process starting in the fall, so make your nomination by September 1. In suggesting an organization, please provide the name of the person to get in touch with in the organization and their contact information. Please contact Stacey Midge for further information. Reformed Church World Service Join Reformed Church World Service to help victims of the Oklahoma City tornado. Early response coordinators are already in Oklahoma, helping with spiritual care and needs assessment. Financial donations are urgently needed. Give at www.rca.org/tornadoes or send a check to Reformed Church in America, Attn: Finance Department, 4500 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, or, in Canada, to Regional Synod of Canada, 201 Paradise Rd. N., Hamilton, ON L8S 3T3. Checks should be designated "U.S. Tornadoes."
Church Facility Tour on First Sundays If you are new to our church building and would like a brief tour, every Communion Sunday there will be someone to show you around immediately following a cup of coffee. Meet in front of the church office. Article Deadlines ~ Facility Use Form(s) Bulletin: The Wednesday prior to current Sunday First Things: The 15 of the month, if it falls during the weekend, it is the Friday or Monday closest to the 15. Where to send: 1streformedpub@gmail.com or speak to Tani by calling the church office. Facilities Use Form(s): For church groups using the churches facilities please make sure a Facilities Use Form is submitted to the church office no later than one week in advance. The forms are available in the church office, on line at www.1streformed.com, and in the Facility Use Forms mail-box out in the hallway. This Sunday Next Sunday Counting Deacons Gay Doolittle, Bill Rochelle Bill Martin, Nancy Wainwright Faith Bookshop Veronica Bartholic Linda Witkowski Flower Delivery Cindy Gallagher, Linda Witkowski Natalie & Richard Davis, Virginia Laumeister Greeters Gay & Joe Doolittle Joan & Tom Lindsay Kinderwyk Sarah Bachorik, Mary Russell Sarah Bachorik, Nancy Martin Liturgist Daniel Carlson Preacher Stacey Midge Daniel Carlson Processing Elders Veronica Bartholic, Joyce Griggs, Roberta Blackmer, Jerry Griggs Rob Dickson, Keith Muse, Darwin Brudos, Tom Lindsay Reader Marilyn Leach Chris Fernandes Refreshments Usher/ Offertory Deacons Debra Baumes Del Pierce (head usher), Carol Troost, Karen Dickson, Rob Dickson, Michael Horan, Victoria McGowan Leah Kidwell-Fernandes, Bill Martin, Nancy Wainwright, David Bundy, Joan Lindsay, Carol Troost
If you attempt to act and do for others or for the world without deepening your own selfunderstanding, freedom, integrity and capacity to love, you will not have anything to give others. ~ Thomas Merton (1915-1968) Sunday, July 28 10:00 am... Worship 10:15 am... Church School for K-8 11:00 am... Food Tasting 11:00 am... Membership Committee 5:00 pm... Jazz Vespers Monday, July 29 9:00 am... Mens News Group Tuesday, July 30 10:00 am... Morning Prayer Wednesday, July 31 9:30 am... Kerygma Thursday, August 1 6:30 pm... Planning Meeting 6:45 pm... Yoga Sunday, August 4 10:00 am... Worship with Communion 10:15 am... Church School for K-2 11:00 am... Refreshments 5:00 pm... Jazz Vespers In the spiritual life, the word 'discipline' means 'the effort to create some space in which God can act'. Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up. Discipline means that somewhere you're not occupied, and certainly not preoccupied to create that space in which something can happen that you hadn't planned or counted on. ~ Henri Nouwen (1932 1996) Deep people know they need: solitude-if they are going to find out who they are; silence-if their words are to mean anything; contemplation-if they are to see the world as it really is; prayer-if they are going to be conscious of God, and if they are to know God and enjoy him forever. ~ Don Postema - Space for God Come near to the holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heat of their desire after God. They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestled and sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking. ~ A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) - The Pursuit of God I'm still discovering, right up to this moment, that it is only by living completely in this world that one learns to have faith. I mean living unreservedly in life's duties, problems, successes and failures, experiences and perplexities. In so doing, we throw ourselves completely into the arms of God. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer A Spiritual Discipline is an intentionally directed action which places us in a position to receive from God the power to do what we cannot accomplish on our own... The deep waters of God's life are already flowing. We simply learn the strokes that will enable us more and more to be at home in them... The human body is our power-pack of mind-body-spirit - we discipline it in order to practice cooperation with God. ~ Richard Foster - Life with God, p. 135-137